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Australia stands up for refugees

People from all over the country came together last month in an act of solidarity that proved Australians want to do more for refugees.

1,600 dedicated Act for Peace supporters signed up for the Act for Peace Ration Challenge which took place during Refugee Week in June. For seven days they ate exactly the same rations as a Burmese refugee living in a camp on the Thai-Burma border - just a small amount of rice, split peas, flour, salt, fish and oil. That’s it. No meat, coffee, or alcohol!

Karen McGrath / Act for Peace

Thanks to the generosity of friends and family who sponsored them, they raised an incredible $420,000 which will help provide rations, seeds, tools and training to make sure refugees from Burma have enough to eat, and help refugees around the world to build safe, just and dignified lives.

As well as raising vital funds for the world’s most vulnerable people, they also shared their powerful experience with family and friends, bringing the refugee struggle closer to home in a way that was impossible to ignore – raising awareness and changing attitudes (including their own).

We’ve been humbled and inspired at the stories and messages of each and every Ration Challenger who put their money where their mouth is, and took a stand for refugees. Thank you for making a difference!

I only had to do the challenge for a week, unlike many others who eat like this every day. It made me realise how thankful I am to live in Australia and proud that I was able to raise awareness of this issue. Karen, Kirrawee

I really enjoyed the opportunity to have conversations with people about refugees and asylum seekers. Many people only engage with popular media and only ever see negative portrayals designed to dehumanise and demonise. I felt the ration challenge gave me a really positive platform to engage people and try to gently get them to open their eyes. Kirsty, Seville Grove

The ration challenge was hard at times but remembering why I was doing this and how much it could help someone, even just one person, was what kept me going. Kirsty McCarthy, Glenelg South

It was an eye opening experience. I learnt to appreciate not only what I have and where I live and the country I was born into to, but to also have respect for the refugees who do it so tough. Until this, I had never really done much to understand refugees, but since this challenge I have been more passionate about the issue and have plans to do more for them in my local area. Alicia, Darwin

It was elevating as an activist to see so many people and groups rallying around the cause and contributing in a positive way. Bec Melrose, Engadine

Before the ration challenge I was very focused on myself. This challenge reminded me thatnot everyone has the opportunities in life that I do and [I have] the ability to make a difference. Georgina, Brisbane

Challenging but exciting! It was one of the best weeks of my life! Tanisha Bennett, Hoxton Park

It was so humbling and eye opening to realise that this is how people survive... you are aware of these things, but it's not until you are in that situation that it really hits home. Felicity, Hoppers Crossing

Great experience. This was a tough challenge but very humbling, making my first world problems seem so insignificant. Tim Symonds, Altona

It was one small way to take personal ACTION on the issue of asylum seekers and refugees at a time when I feel totally hamstrung politically to help effect change or express my support for those seeking protection. Alice, Glebe

I emerged from the challenge extremely grateful and appreciative of the countless blessings we are privy to in this nation, and with a renewed urgency and determination to prevent people from having to live without adequate nutrition. I'll always remember this experience. Extremely glad I participated in this challenge! Kirsty Sharneil, Albion Park

Pre-register now for Ration Challenge 2016

This year’s Ration Challenge kits sold out. If you’d like to take the challenge next year, pre-register now to guarantee your place!

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Act for Peace is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct and Fundraising Charter, which commits international aid and development organisations to good standards of governance, transparency, accountability and effectiveness.

Act for Peace is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global network of grass-roots aid organisations working together in over 140 countries. Together we mobilise about $1.5 billion each year to create positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalised people regardless of their religion, politics, gender, sexual orientation, race or nationality in keeping with the highest international codes and standards.

The Church Agencies Network (CAN) is a group of eleven Australian church-based aid and development agencies. The network is an opportunity to work together and to share experiences and practice, recognising that together we can achieve much more.

Act for Peace gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Government.